Leonardtown approves mural conservation grant and budget shift to fund cloud IT upgrade

At its May 11 meeting, the Leonardtown Mayor and Council approved two administrative finance items: acceptance of a $2,000 Maryland State Art Council grant to conserve a 48-foot mural, and a small FY2027 budget reallocation to fund a cloud-based IT solution.

Treasurer Sharon reported that VA2026-109 is a $2,000 grant to support conservation and reinstallation of mural panels relocated to 22699 Washington Street. Council member speaker 5 moved to accept the grant; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Sharon also recommended moving $5,000 originally budgeted for FY2027 web design from the general government capital outlay account to computer software to support a proposed cloud migration with the town’s IT contractor, JustTech. Staff said the transition would increase annual operating costs by about $12,000 but avoid an anticipated server replacement cost estimated at $6,000–$10,000 and provide continuous cybersecurity monitoring. The council discussed redundancy, data residency in U.S.-based cloud, and maintenance responsibilities; the motion to reallocate funds carried by voice vote.

Council members said staff will return with any required budget amendments and contract details. The mural grant acceptance and the IT funding adjustment were procedural approvals that staff said will be reflected in the town’s financial statements and future budget documents.